I'm trying to track down a very annoying shimmy between 50-60 mph. It's the shimmy you get just before serious death wobble. Are these steering angles to blame? All tie rod ends seem nice and tight however..

 

They don't look perfect but start at tire balance. Try switching them around. If it changes Have em rechecked wherever you had em done.

 

Tried three different sets of wheels and tires with no luck..

 

Well it may be time for a new set of TREs I'd suggest buying the ZJ ones.

 

Okay thats what I was thinking. ZJ tre's are a direct replacement?

 

Yup. Easy as pie just set your toe after installation

 

What's the best way to check a tie rod end? I got some wide mouth pliers and squoze from top to bottom and found a little bit of up and down play. Is this method the correct way to check them?

 

To be honest with you, I have no idea if there's a proper tolerance to test. I know they shouldn't have much play if any. When I took ones of my 91 for the ZJ swap. They didn't really have any play at all. But it cured my DW. ???

Make sure you get both ends and the adjustment sleeve...

 

Intersting. Did you use a puller or pickle fork to remove them

 

My trusty $10 puller from Harbor Freight.

 

And yea my thinking was maybe the old tre wasn't holding the toe adjustment? I dunno. Like I said I don't know a certain way to check them other than grab em and shake.

 

Ya I figured there wasn't a solid toe adjustment as well. Causing one or both wheels to wobble down the road. Looks like I'm heading down to harbor freight and auto zone. Thanks for your help man!

 

Dont buy things take a larger hammer and "whack" the knuckle till it pops out. I have broken tons of pullers trying then smack it with a hammer a few times and it pops out. I generally try to hit it 3 or 4 times then push on it to make sure it didnt release then settle back. the absolute worst I had ever had was about 15 hits and it was rusted old just the worst tie rod removal ever.

 

there are no differences between xj or zj TRE's. and who says it has to be the tie rod ends anyways. get to looking under there. have someone turn the wheel while you look for play. culprits could be wheel bearings, ball joints, control arms bushings, tracbar....

 

Wrong...
The Tie Rod and ends from a V8 ZJ are significantly larger. The rod itself is solid as well, instead of being hollow like the XJ rod.